Introduction to the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
Not all U.S. coins with an “S” mintmark are Proof coins. Some, like the 2013-S Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter, were struck as uncirculated business-strike coins by the San Francisco Mint. These quarters, part of the America the Beautiful Quarters program, were released as a limited production run and are highly sought after by collectors. With the San Francisco Mint’s 2012 return to business-strike coin production after nearly six decades, the 2013-S quarter is a key collectible.
The Design of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter holds significant value for collectors due to its remarkable design. This coin features a close-up view of Mount Rushmore, focusing on two workers chiseling Thomas Jefferson’s face. The design moves away from the typical head-on view of the monument, showcasing the monumental scale of the sculpture and the labor behind its creation. Designer Joseph Menna’s innovative perspective adds depth and historical context to the coin’s imagery.
This quarter marks the final release of five America the Beautiful quarters in 2013, the 20th coin in the series. The design beautifully captures the iconic “Shrine of Democracy,” originally sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and completed in 1941.
The Minting and Availability of the 2013-S Quarter
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarters were minted in limited quantities—just over 1.3 million coins—making them a rare find. Unlike other U.S. coins that circulate widely, these coins were available exclusively through the U.S. Mint in bags and rolls. Although these coins were not meant for general circulation, some may occasionally be found in everyday transactions, much like Proof coins.
Market and Collectibility
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter has earned praise for its artistry, even winning the Coin of the Year Award for Best Circulating Coin in 2014. With a mintage of only 1.37 million, this quarter remains highly collectible. As of 2024, PCGS and NGC have graded several of these coins, with some reaching high grades like MS70 and MS68, increasing their market value among collectors.
Top Graded Coins:
- PCGS MS70: 8 examples (as of Nov 2024)
- NGC MS68: 21 examples (as of Nov 2024)
Notable Sales:
- NGC MS68: Sold for significant prices at auction, often fetching premium values due to their high-grade status and low mintage.
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Specifications of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
- Year of Issue: 2013
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 1,373,260
- Alloy: Copper-nickel clad (outer layers of .750 copper, .250 nickel bonded to pure copper core)
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.30 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designers: John Flanagan (obverse), Joseph Menna (reverse)
A Key Coin for Collectors
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is not only a beautiful representation of American history but also a valuable piece for numismatic collections. With its limited mintage and innovative design, this coin is a must-have for collectors interested in U.S. history and coinage. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, the 2013-S quarter stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint.
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